Current Affairs Analysis February 18, 2025 UPSC

 

1. Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Key Points:

• Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
• The decision was made by a three-member committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The appointment is based on the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
• The Congress opposed the selection process, calling it partisan and non-neutral.
• The Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge against this new law​.

Why Did This Happen?

• Change in Selection Process: Earlier, the CEC and Election Commissioners were appointed by the President based on government recommendations.
• The 2023 Act replaced the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on the selection panel with a Union Minister, giving the government more control over appointments.
• Congress’s Opposition: The party believes this new process violates a 2023 Supreme Court judgment that recommended a more independent selection process.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS2 (Polity & Governance)
• Concepts to Study:
  • Election Commission of India (ECI) – Powers and Functions
  • Independence of Constitutional Bodies
  • Supreme Court Judgment on ECI Appointments

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2. Supreme Court Delays Hearing on Places of Worship Act Challenge

Key Points:

• The Supreme Court adjourned the case challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
• The Act prohibits the conversion of religious places and maintains their status as of August 15, 1947.
• The case has been pending for four years, and the Centre has not filed a response​.

Why Did This Happen?

• Some Hindu groups argue that the law prevents them from reclaiming religious sites allegedly taken over by invaders.
• Others argue that changing the status of religious sites will increase communal tensions.
• The Centre’s silence suggests it is considering political and legal implications.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS1 (History & Society), GS2 (Polity)
• Concepts to Study:
  • Places of Worship Act, 1991
  • Supreme Court judgments on religious freedom
  • Communal harmony and constitutional provisions

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3. Finance Ministry Likely to Increase Deposit Insurance Limit

Key Points:

• The Finance Ministry is considering raising the deposit insurance limit beyond ₹5 lakh.
• The current insurance limit was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh in 2020 after the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC) crisis.
• The decision comes after the New India Cooperative Bank scandal, where ₹122 crore was misappropriated​.

Why Did This Happen?

• Banking frauds have raised concerns about customer protection.
• The RBI placed restrictions on withdrawals from some banks, highlighting liquidity risks.
• A higher deposit insurance limit protects depositors and enhances banking stability.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS3 (Economy)
• Concepts to Study:
  • Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)
  • Banking sector regulations in India
  • Cooperative banks and financial frauds

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4. Adani Green Pulls Out of Sri Lanka Power Project

Key Points:

• Adani Green Energy Ltd. has withdrawn from a 484 MW wind power project in Sri Lanka.
• Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the power tariff (8.26 cents per unit) was too high and not justified.
• Adani’s exit is seen as a victory for transparency by Sri Lankan media​.

Why Did This Happen?

• The project faced local opposition due to environmental concerns.
• The new Sri Lankan government wants to review expensive contracts signed by the previous administration.
• Adani has faced setbacks in multiple countries amid scrutiny of its business practices.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS2 (International Relations), GS3 (Economy)
• Concepts to Study:
  • India-Sri Lanka Economic Relations
  • Foreign Investment in Infrastructure
  • Energy Security and Renewable Energy Initiatives

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5. Supreme Court Questions UP Government Over Mosque Demolition

Key Points:

• The Supreme Court has asked why contempt action should not be taken against Uttar Pradesh authorities.
• The case relates to the demolition of part of a mosque in Kushinagar.
• The court had previously ruled that no demolitions can take place without proper notice and a 15-day response time​.

Why Did This Happen?

• Several demolitions of religious structures have occurred in India, triggering legal disputes.
• The court wants to ensure legal safeguards before religious places are affected.
• The Yogi Adityanath-led government has faced allegations of selective enforcement of laws.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS2 (Governance & Judiciary)
• Concepts to Study:
  • Contempt of Court
  • Religious Freedom under the Indian Constitution
  • Judiciary’s Role in Safeguarding Rights

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6. Rising Skirmishes on India-Pakistan Border

Key Points:

• Cross-border firing incidents have increased along the Line of Control (LoC).
• At least six skirmishes were reported in Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch in two months.
• J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha said the Indian Army is giving a befitting response​.

Why Did This Happen?

• Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high.
• Militant infiltration and Pakistan-backed terrorism continue to be challenges.
• The ceasefire agreement of 2021 is being tested by sporadic firing.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS2 (International Relations), GS3 (Internal Security)
• Concepts to Study:
  • India-Pakistan Relations
  • Ceasefire Agreements and Border Management
  • Role of Indian Armed Forces in Counterinsurgency